Can You Reuse Mouse Traps?
Most homeowners prefer to use mouse traps when dealing with a rodent infestation on their properties. This is a common solution if the mouse activity is still manageable. A few benefits when using mouse traps include cost-efficiency, convenience, and accessibility. It delivers impressive results when done right.
The common question among homeowners is can you reuse mouse traps? Well, the answer is yes. However, the risks are still there depending on the type of mouse trap you are using.
Types of mouse traps like glue traps can be reused but their efficiency may be affected once you clean them. Others opt for reusable mouse traps that they use for a long time, but you must be dedicated to cleaning them thoroughly.
How Many Times Can You Reuse a Mouse Trap?
You do not have to worry about having limitations in reusing mouse traps since there is no exact number for reusing them. If the mouse trap is not in use in other parts of the home, you can reuse it. All you need to do is clean it completely before using it.
Keep in mind that the frequency of reusing mice traps will depend on the type that you are using. Some of the considerations are the type of material used for the trap and whether it is a snap trap, electronic trap, or plastic or wood trap.
Some devices are categorized as reusable while some are disposable after one or a few more times. Most people choose the types of mouse traps that can be reused because they are more cost-effective. However, you must keep in mind that no matter how reusable mouse traps are, they may not work as effectively as expected when not used properly.
Also, you must remember that intensive cleaning is required when planning to reuse a mouse trap to prevent pathogens from infecting your home.
Reusability of Different Mouse Traps
As mentioned, the reusability of your mouse traps depends on the types that you are using. It may also vary from one brand to another. Below are valuations on the reusability of different mouse traps like snap traps, catch traps, glue traps, and electronic traps.
Snap Traps
A classic wooden snap trap with 180 metal levers is known to kill mice quickly. Snap traps are reusable if you check them frequently. For convenience, you can buy plastic snap traps because they are easier to clean.
Catch Traps
Catch traps also called live traps are best recommended for those a bit squeamish when seeing dead mice or killing mice.
Live traps are also recommended for those who opt for reusing mouse traps. This is a humane mouse trap that requires putting sticky or nutty types of bait. You can also use a blob of peanut butter in these live mouse traps.
Rodents are known to have a keen sense of smell. It is also recommended that you place fresh bait with a meaty smell such as pet food to attract mice in the live trap.
Glue Traps
Glue traps can be reused about twice, but do not expect them to be as effective as a freshly opened one.
It is difficult to clean since the glue may eventually melt in the process and the glue board will soften. Since it is difficult to clean completely, it can turn into a breeding ground for harmful pathogens that may put the health of everyone on the property at risk.
Electronic Traps
If you are trying to save money on mouse traps, then electronic mouse traps may not be the cost-effective option for you. However, you can make the most out of these mouse traps if you stick with the steps on how to properly clean them.
Electronic mouse traps require electricity to work and allow you to use them a few more times than the other traps mentioned above. You have to make sure that these are always dry so they will not break.
These traps are not recommended in areas with mouse infestation that are high in moisture. It may cause a short circuit of the wirings to get wet.
With these details in mind, you can have a grasp on what will work effectively in your pest management efforts and which ones are best for reusing.
How to Clean Reusable Mouse Traps
Since the use of most mouse traps is considered an effective method, reusing mouse traps a couple of times will help you save more money. You just need to keep them clean to avoid any mouse-transmitted diseases from spreading in your home.
Below is a guide on cleaning reusable traps for mice:
Prepare All Materials Needed
Before getting a used mouse trap around your home, you must wear protective gear. This will prevent any bacteria as well as other pathogens from dead rats from getting on your clothes.
Always wear gloves when handling old mouse traps. Below is a list of protective gear as well as cleaning materials that you need:
HEPA face mask
Long-sleeved shirts
Disposable sponge
Trash bags
Disinfectant (you can use a 1:10 vinegar-to-water mixture)
Make sure you prepare these materials to keep you protected from any diseases that you may contract from handling dead use traps.
Disposing of The Dead Mouse
If you choose to set up traps for catching mice, be ready to clean and pick up after the rodent carcass that it will produce. Before you remove the dead mouse from the traps, the first thing you should do is spray the surrounding area using a disinfectant.
Next is picking up the mouse carcass from the same trap carefully while wearing gloves. Place the dead mouse in a trash bag and seal it.
There are different state policies in every location when it comes to disposing of dead animals. You should know the policy in your location to avoid problems when getting rid of dead mice.
Cleaning Off Residues and Leftover Bait
After the dead rodent is removed from the old mouse trap, you will notice that the mouse trap is covered with blood, leftover bait, saliva, and other body fluids. Rinse it with water and lather it up with soap.
You should still wear rubber gloves in doing this to minimize your contact with mouse residues. Using a disposable sponge, scrub the device off until all the residues are removed and let it dry before reusing.
Any residues left will affect the effectiveness of the reusable mouse traps. Even if the newly cleaned trap does not catch rodents, it is still important to check on the bait and have it replaced frequently.
Disinfecting the Mouse Traps and Its Location
Even after removing the dead rodents and cleaning the traps, there is a chance that the unpleasant smell or a familiar scent will still linger in the previous location. It may be tempting to vacuum or sweep the area, but these will only spread pathogens and dust in the air.
What you should do instead is get an enzyme cleaner and spray the area and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. This is enough time for the chemical to break down the remaining biological material in the location.
After this, you can clean it with disposable rags or paper towels to get rid of any body fluids or fur remaining. Spray it again one last time with a disinfectant to remove the lingering foul smell.
How Often Should Mouse Traps Be Replaced?
It all depends on how frequently the reusable mouse traps catch mice and also the material used for the traps. Plastics require more frequent replacement compared to wooden snap traps while electronic traps need less to no cleaning before reusing them.
Unlike glue traps and bait settings, mouse traps will not catch more mice at a time, which means you can reuse them very often.
The frequency of replacing the traps will also rely on the bait since you always have to keep it fresh and never let it stale. Always clean the traps thoroughly before reusing them.